Central get back to winning ways vs Daisy Hill

On a windy Saturday afternoon at Wright Robinson College, Manchester Central welcomed Daisy Hill, as the first of a run of five home games on the bounce. Central were hoping for a positive reaction to the disappointing defeat to AFC Monton the week prior, and for a spark that would kickstart a run of form in their push for 5th in the league table, that would see them promoted to Division One of the Manchester Football league.

However, they were coming up against an in-form Daisy Hill Squad, who had won their previous two fixtures, having scored 7 combined in both. It was never going to be an easy game for Central, but manager Chris Tomkinson was certainly optimistic that his team could get on the right track and begin a run of form that would see them promoted.

As for the line-ups, there was just the two changes for Central to the eleven that fell 5-3 to Monton, with a change between the sticks as Daniel Whiting came in for Aum Patel and Zak Bell made way for Daniel Dolling in central midfield.

It was an impressive display by Central, particularly in the first half, where they were causing Daisy Hill all sorts of problems. This was highlighted by Tawab Djankpata’s stunning goal from 25 yards out, capping off a brilliant display from full back.

It was the perfect reward for an impressive first half performance by the full back, who was constantly looking to get forward and provide width for his teammates, but the goal came from a central area from distance, as he shifted the ball onto his right foot and fired a rocket into the top left-hand corner, putting Central in a commanding 2-0 lead at the break.

He was the highlight of a top team performance from all the players, who were up for this one right from the very off, not shying away and showing great tenacity and intensity throughout. This one wasn’t without its moments of doubt however, as despite for their lack of attacking threat, Daisy Hill managed to give Central cause for concern midway through the second half as their dangerous number 10 calmly dispatched a spot kick to make it an interesting last 25 minutes.

Manchester Central were dominant from minute one and were instantly looking for an opener as Fuad Kasali slid in Djankpata in on goal only for the Daisy Hill keeper to smother his attempt from close range in the 9th minute of play. Just six minutes later, Central fashioned another opening as Djankpata built on his impressive start to the match by surging forward and delivering a smart cross to the back post for his fellow full back Michael Taiwo, only for the defender to blast over inside the box.

It was all coming through Djankpata and the right-hand side, as just under 25 minutes had gone when he played a neat one-two which found him inside the box, but he blazed his shot over the bar, leaving Chris Tomkinson reason to ponder whether his side would rue these missed chances later in the match.

But it was just 5 minutes later when Central were awarded a penalty and a chance to take a deserved lead with just over 15 minutes left in the half. It was Daniel Dolling who stepped up after returning to the starting line-up, and he made no mistake by giving Central a 1-0 lead with an emphatic penalty into the top corner giving him his 7th goal of the season.

It was pure dominance as Daisy Hill didn’t have a sniff, and credit should be given for the way Central managed and controlled the game from the off. It was 10 minutes later when Central’s next opportunity came, as Kasali managed to wriggle free in the box and force a fine low stop from the Daisy Hill keeper. The visitors were perhaps expecting Central to lay off and see the half out, but the home side were not done there, as the ever-impressive Djankpata found half a yard from 25 yards out and fired a beauty into the top corner to give Central a commanding two goal advantage at the break.

A brilliant half of football by Central, and no better way to respond to the crushing defeat they had suffered the week before. Manager Chris Tomkinson was surely pleased with what he was seeing from his side, a performance full of intensity and quality, and he would have certainly encouraged his team to continue playing as they were heading into the second period. As for Daisy Hill, their performance was much to be desired, and their coach would surely be laying into his players at the interval, demanding for a much-improved performance in the final 45 minutes.

His demands clearly got to his players, as Daisy Hill came out the stronger of the two sides. Their number 9 having the first opportunity of the half, striking from distance that wasn’t too far away from the bottom corner. Just five minutes later, the visitors were ramping up the pressure, forcing a fine save from Central’s number 1, as their number 10 was again lively and looking to cause the home side problems.

And it was just past the hour mark that Daisy Hill’s pressure had finally cracked through Central’s defensive line, as their forward player was brought down in the box, and the referee with no hesitation pointed to the spot. An opportunity for the visitors to have something to show for their much improved second half performance, and a way back into the game with just under 30 minutes left to go.

It was their number 10 who stepped up, and confidently slotted the ball home to give Central cause for concern for the remainder of the game. And Daisy Hill were instantly looking for an equaliser, forcing Daniel Whiting into more action, further producing a fine save to preserve the slender lead that Central were holding onto.

Out of nothing however, star man Tawab Djankpata sparked into to life on the right, jinking past his defender onto his left foot, but scuffing his shot straight down the throat of the Daisy Hill keeper. Following a quiet ten-minute spell, where neither team could seem to create an opportunity, Central seemed to have the chance to put the game to bed, but somehow the visitors managed to survive.

With just eight minutes to play, the visiting keeper managed to make an astonishing double save to deny Kasali, and then on the follow up Martin with the goal at his mercy only managed to strike the post, keeping the game alive.

And just five minutes later, the home side had another golden opportunity to seal the win, as they were awarded another spot kick. It was Martin this time who stepped up, but again only managing to rattle the penalty off the upright. Luckily for the midfielder, the full-time whistle came and Central managed to hold on to a massive three points, that would see them climb to eighth in the league table and six points off 5th spot.

Following the victory, number 1 Daniel Whiting was clearly happy with the way his teammates performed, claiming ‘the lads were dominant from minute one’ and that ‘we showed our character in the game.’ He further stated how this will benefit the team for the remainder of the season, saying that ‘it gives the team a whole lot of confidence heading into the next game’ further highlighting how crucial a victory it was.

A brilliant display that kept Central right in the hunt for promotion, and with just 10 games left to play, it is certainly all to play for in Division Two of the Manchester Football League. Whereas for Daisy Hill, it put a halt to their winning run and all but ended their chances of a late run at promotion.